SCRIPTURE: Mark 14:66-15:20
OBSERVATION:
Even though he was warned, and he firmly denied it, Peter ends up denying Jesus 3 times.
Not just denial, he basically calls down curses on himself if he is lying, to prove that he is telling the truth. No wonder he broke down and wept.
Pontius Pilate was no friend of the Jews, but they needed him to pronounce the death penalty.
Jesus strength impresses Pilate. Mark doesn’t mention that Pilate’s wife had a dream about Jesus and urged him to set him free (Matthew 27:19).
Pilate was not trying to impress the populace, but trying to avoid an uprising, for which he would have to answer to Rome. This was ultimately an act of political expediency.
Barabbas is a contrast to Jesus, the worst is replaced by the best.
Jesus is cruelly mocked and abused, this time by the Roman guards.
Flogging was no light punishment. He was stripped and tied to a post. The whip was made of several pieces of leather with pieces of bone and lead embedded near the ends. Victims of Roman floggings seldom survived.
APPLICATION:
I can hardly blame Peter, I would probably have done the same. Peter would no doubt thank God that He didn’t follow through on the curses Peter called down on himself.
Jesus took my place, just like He took Barabbas’ place.
Jesus’ extreme torture hardly fit the crime, but it is not uncommon still to this day that oppressors can be extremely cruel and violent for no good reason.
Some people can’t imagine that Jesus could have been treated like this, but I think history demonstrates the unbelievable lengths people in power will go to harm others.
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for taking my place, even though I am just like Peter, a big talker who fears standing up for You. Thank You for Your amazing grace and mercy! Amen.
The denial began by keeping his distance from the Lord. Being a disciple also means to suffer for Him. Not being with Him is being in the dangerous company of His enemies and being drawn into sin against Him. Lord help me daily to be near to Your side each and every day, or else I too will stray like Peter. Thank You for forgiveness in Christ because I too am like a Peter.
What part does popularity or acceptance by the majority or peers play in my life? The religious leaders did not use the Word of the Lord as their guide. Pilate used the people’s choice, while he was to be leading the people in their choice. Lord help me daily to use Your Word as my Guide. Your Word must be my daily standard. Help me to grow in that Word as I diligently seek You each day. Help me to start each day in Your presence. It is the only way to start so that the activities of the day may also be coloured by Your presence.
Thank You Lord for the gift of Life in Christ Jesus. Help me in my daily walk to live for You.
Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring,
Nought as an offering to Jesus my King-
Only my sinful now contrite heart,
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart,
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.